Crime-cutting CCTV camera hacked down on The Vineries estate in Gillingham after just two days

A CCTV camera installed on a housing estate to help fight crime was cut down by vandals - just two days later.

People living on The Vineries, in Gillingham, got their wish to have cameras in the area in an effort to thwart anti-social behaviour.

Money was secured by Moat Housing, which manages the estate, along with Medway Council and the estate's Partners And Community Together (PACT) group with the help of Gillingham North ward councillors Andy Stamp and Pat Cooper.

Malcolm Upton, chairman of The Vineries PACT, with the new CCTV cameras that have helped to reduce crime in the area

But PACT chairman Malcolm Upton said: "The camera was installed, but two days later someone had taken an angle grinder to it to saw through the lamppost."

The group was determined not to give up and with the help of Moat, got a replacement camera in place that is now doing its job.

"Two days later someone had taken an angle grinder to it to saw through the lamppost..."- Malcolm Upton

"It was back up by the end of October and we are pleased it has been reinstalled as it has reduced crime in the area over the past three months," said Mr Upton.

"We've also had bollards installed in Grange Road to stop cars parking when Gillingham FC are playing at home as it was dangerous to cross the road, we had a few near misses.

"We are continuing to grow stronger with the help of local councillors, the PACT group, Moat Housing and the local police and the rest of the community.

"We would like to thank them for all their help and we would also like to see residents in the surrounding area to join our meetings and get involved to make our community a safer and better place to live.

Insp Ada Leppard said: "We have seen some reduction in crime at The Vineries in Gillingham, which is welcome news.

"However, work in this area is very much ongoing and we continue to liaise closely with the community in an effort to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour."